Charm City Django Jazz Fest
Feb 21-22. When Michael Joesph Harris hopped off the Creative Alliance stage in 2014 after playing a successful concert of tunes inspired the legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, he could tell by the energy in the theater that Baltimore audiences wanted more Gypsy jazz. Fast forward two years, and Harris, left, who is the founder of local groups Ultrafaux and The Hot Club of Baltimore, opened the doors to the first Charm City Django Jazz Fest, which hosts Gypsy jazz musicians from across the world for performances, jam sessions, and workshops. Harris says that the festival (this year from February 21-22) has helped revitalize the finger-plucking community within the city’s arts scene. “Keeping the legacy of Django Reinhardt and that sense of originality rooted in tradition alive is a big part of what we’re doing with the festival,” Harris says. 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m.. $28-75. —KP

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The American Craft Show
Feb. 21-23. Calling all crafters! This annual weekend-long event is known for being a DIY haven, and this year’s lineup of more than 600 vendors from across North America will not disappoint. Browse through the Baltimore Convention Center’s vibrant marketplace to shop for everything from jewelry and clothing to furniture and home goods. Whether you leave with new baskets or necklaces or a dress, stop by to snag some thoughtfully made pieces. Baltimore Convention Center. $14-36. Time varies.

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Ornamenta
Feb. 1. Every winter, the Baltimore Jewelry Center—known around town for its hands-on workshops and classes—hosts Ornamenta, the nonprofit’s fundraiser to benefit its educational and studio rental programs. For one night only, take in breathtaking works by local artists, rub elbows with up-and-comers in the city’s arts scene, and celebrate the success of this Station North staple by donating to this worthy cause. Impact Hub, 10 E. North Ave.. $100-575. 7-11 p.m..

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Wicked
Feb. 12-March 8. The Hippodrome Theatre keeps the Broadway sensations coming with this four-week run of Wicked. Travel to the Land of Oz (before the days of Dorothy and friends) as two witches form an unlikely friendship: one bubbly and popular and the other smart, misunderstood, and green-skinned. Experience the iconic story of how they grew to become Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West during this bucket list production. Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St.. $70-246. Time varies.

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A Date with John Waters
Feb. 14. Can you imagine a better Valentine’s Day date than an evening with Baltimore’s own Sleaze Supreme, John Waters? Devoted fans will rub shoulders with Waters noobs at Baltimore Soundstage during this evening with the venerable filmmaker and cornerstone of Charm City pop culture. Who can say where Waters will take his ever-evolving one-man show? All we know for sure is that no holds will be barred. 124 Market Pl.. $44. 8 p.m..

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R. Eric Thomas
Feb. 20. Join Elle senior staff writer, nationally recognized playwright, and Baltimore native R. Eric Thomas as he reads from his newly released memoir, Here for It. With a daily humor-politics column, Thomas has had plenty of practice using words to reconcile his identity, religious faith, and the recent social shifts within our country. After reading through our profile of this laugh-out-loud author on page 70, make plans to join fellow fans for this reading at Enoch Pratt’s Central Library. Enoch Pratt Free Library. Free. 7 p.m..

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Small Foods Party
Feb. 8. Whoever coined the term “the bigger, the better” clearly never attended this teeny snacks party at the American Visionary Art Museum. At this 15th annual bash/competition, bring your appetite (and a tiny silverware set) to sample a smorgasbord of bite-sized eats made by local home chefs and makers. Don’t miss this weird and wonderful opportunity to taste itty-bitty bites of fan-favorite foods such as crab cake sandwiches and cinnamon rolls and help crown this year’s “Bad Idea” award. American Visionary Arts Museum. $5-20. 7 p.m..

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Celine Dion
Feb. 24. If you weren’t planning to catch legendary performer Celine Dion’s “Courage” world tour at the Royal Farms Arena, think again. After a more than 10-year hiatus, this world-renowned pop powerhouse is back on the road, and she’s sure to enchant Baltimore with classic hits such as “My Heart Will Go On” and “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” Snag tickets early to experience a night of belting out high notes and worshipping at the feet of the queen of adult contemporary, which is almost guaranteed to help your heart go on a little longer. Royal Farms Arena. $150-849. 7:30 p.m..

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Frozen Harbor Music Festival
Feb. 28-March 1. Not even the icy weather could stop this party. Now in its fourth year, this frozen music festival will take over nine rock venues across downtown, including Rams Head Live! and Mosaic Night Club and Lounge, for three days of nonstop sets by more than 100 rising acts. Make plans to hop from venue to venue to catch performances by hip hop, rock, and rap groups in the heart of the Inner Harbor and don’t forget to grab a picture with the party-animal polar bear Mascot, Koasty, before the end of the weekend. Power Plant Live! 34 Market Pl.. $20-225. Fri 7 p.m.-Sun 1:30 a.m..

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Fake Wedding
Feb. 29. Back by popular demand, this fake-wedding party, hosted by local nonprofit action network Volunteering Untapped, is one of the winter’s can’t-miss affairs. After “celebrating” the matrimony of two randomly selected guests, pop the champagne, throw away the vows, and then spend the rest of the night dancing like nobody’s watching. Head to downtown’s Columbus Center for this (fake) ceremony between a (fake) bride and groom, and enjoy (very real) food, drinks, and a night of fundraising for a do-good cause. Columbus Center, 701 E. Pratt St.. $75-800. 7-11 p.m..

EAT

Feb. 23: Noche de Carnaval

Monument City Brewing Company, 1 N. Haven St. 7-11:30 p.m. Free-$5

Since Rosalyn Vera received an alleged death threat a few weeks ago for hanging an anti-Trump poster inside her Fells Point restaurant, Cocina Luchadoras, she’s gotten an outpouring of support from the Baltimore community in the form of explosive sales and record-setting crowds. This Friday, the Mexican street food staple is teaming up with Monument City Brewing Company for this one-of-a-kind carnival featuring dance performances by Naciones Unidas, mask-making crafts, sweets by Full Circle Artisan Palace, and, of course, tons of tacos and tamales. With ticket sales benefitting Sanctuary Streets, a local organization that accompanies immigrant community members to legal proceedings, there’s never been a better way to support our inclusive community.

DRINK

Feb. 22: National Margarita Day

Location, times, and prices vary.

After six long years of mid-week hangovers, National Margarita Day finally landed on a Friday and we couldn’t be more prepared to celebrate with something strong, on the rocks, with salt. Spend your post-work happy hour at local spots known for their margaritas (think Clavel, Alma Cocina Latina, and Vida Taco Bar) or, if you’re feeling brave, grab a mezcalerita and belt out your favorite hit during late-night karaoke at R. House. For a full list of tequila-filled ways to spend National Margarita Day, check out our roundup of specials and events.

SEE

Feb. 22-24: American Craft Show

Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $40-50.

Whether you’re visiting this revered makers’ festival for an hour or for the entire weekend, the American Craft Show is guaranteed to have something for everyone. The three-day downtown event, which features work by artisans from near and far, hosts wares such as jewelry, ceramics, and furniture at every price point. Be sure to stop by one-of-a-kind booths like Tristan Sopp’s, where you can buy DIY folded-paper animals, and Marc Tickle’s, which features handmade kaleidoscopes.

HEAR

Feb. 22-23: Charm City Django Jazz Fest

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $25-28.

In celebration of this finger-plucking music genre pioneered by Belgian jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, gypsy jazz musicians from near and far will take over Creative Alliance for two days of blazing guitar runs and jazz heat during this fourth annual jam fest. Revel in the chance to hear the likes of Ellicott City-based wunderkind Samuel Farthing, local jazz group Ultrafaux, and Philly-based accordionist Dallas Vietty and his group Passarinho.

DO

Feb. 23: Melanin Market

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 12-5 p.m. Free.

To honor Black History Month, Union Craft Brewing will transform the taproom into a full-blown market this Saturday, featuring goods made by some of the city’s best black artists, makers, and vendors. In between sets by DJs James Nasty and dagm, browse through vintage clothes, beauty products, and sporting goods from popular local vendors like Keepers Vintage, Power Decals, and This Sporting Life. Be sure to stick around to catch a performance by the Baltimore Go Getters marching band at 4 p.m.

Since the launch of Etsy in 2005, the crafting world has been totally reinvented. Gone are the days of the glitter-and-glue extravaganzas one might expect to find at a craft show. We are now seeing the most innovative, creative, and on-trend items, guaranteed to give anything at West Elm a run for its money.

Lucky for us, the largest craft show in the country returns to Baltimore this month, as the American Craft Show comes to the Baltimore Convention Center from February 22-24 with handcrafted items from more than 600 of the best contemporary makers in the country. “Baltimore has always been so welcoming,” says Pam Diamond, director of marketing and communications for the American Craft Council (ACC). “The appreciation for handmade goods has always been prevalent here, and we are thrilled to have so many new artists and selections this year.”

As the DIY movement has expanded, the technology has grown with it, allowing artists and makers to use things such as 3D printing and newfangled resins, plastics, and polymers to create one-of-a-kind pieces. And the ACC is all about sharing that knowledge. “We aren’t just about shopping,” says Diamond. “We want to educate people and, through doing that, we are supporting artists.”

This year, the ACC will feature two specialty programs to offer attendees even more opportunities to be hands on. “Let’s Make” is an interactive session designed to help the next generation of crafters discern between handmade and mass manufactured goods. And “Hip Pop” is a specialty booth where six emerging artists are able to display their work and get in front of an audience.

No matter which booth you end up browsing, the ACC show will have enough options to go around. And be sure to heed Diamond’s advice: “Put on your comfiest walking shoes, come inside, and just get totally inspired.”

Volunteering Untapped Fake Wedding
Feb. 23. The Baltimore Museum of Industry. 7 p.m. Prices Vary. On a Saturday night last February, John Magiros jumped in front of a crowd of dressed-to-the-nines party-goers at the Baltimore Museum of Industry and called out, “Who’s single and wants to get married tonight?” Magiros then ushered two volunteers forward, gave the “groom” a top hat and the “bride” a veil, and “married” them using Mad Lib-style wedding vows in front of hundreds of strangers. And while the wedding was fake, the mission of the party—to support the local nonprofit network Volunteering Untapped—was very real. At this year’s Black Tie Baltimore Fake Wedding on February 23, the VU leadership team including Jeremy Raichle, Teddy Davidson, Brittany Fowler, and Magiros, will cut out the obligations of attending a wedding—no presents or plus-ones required—while keeping the drinks flowing all night. “It’s all the fun of a wedding with none of the commitment,” says Magiros. “What more could you ask for?”

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Grateful Dead Tribute for Kids
Feb. 2. 800 Key Hwy. 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Free-$50. Deadheads, rejoice! If you’ve been looking for a way to introduce your kids to the mother of all jam bands, you’re in luck: the American Visionary Art Museum and local radio station WTMD are hosting a Saturday morning celebration of all things Grateful Dead. Local cover act Ed Hough’s Dead Collective will perform kid-oriented favorites in the museum’s banquet hall, with plenty of snacks, drinks, and art to go around.

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Jim Gaffigan
Feb. 7-8. 140 W. Mt Royal Ave. 7 p.m. $35.25-204. Whether it’s in his scene-stealing TV roles, his bestselling books, or his four Grammy-nominated comedy albums, Jim Gaffigan always manages to earn a laugh. The family-friendly comic, who launched his Quality Time tour in January, is known for finding humor in the mundane, such as doctor visits, food, and fatherhood. Get your tickets quickly—his show is almost guaranteed to sell out.

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Lunar New Year Celebration
Feb. 10. 600 N. Charles St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Across Asian cultures, the lunar new year marks the beginning of a new calendar year. To ring in the Year of the Pig, the Walters Art Museum is throwing a free, family-oriented celebration in their sprawling Mt. Vernon complex. Visitors of all ages can explore the museum’s expansive and much-lauded Arts of Asia exhibition, followed by a chance to create their own Asian-inspired works. Make sure to catch the traditional lion dance performance, which is believed to bring good luck in the new year.

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Creature Feature
Feb. 12. The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd. 7 p.m. $15-$23. Whether you love them, hate them, or are allergic to them, there’s no denying that animals have a special connection with humans. This month, the Stoop Storytelling Series invites locals to get onstage at the Senator Theatre to share the good, bad, or the ugly about their relationships with four-legged friends (or foes). Get to the theater early to grab a pre-show cocktail and hear live music by (appropriately) Brooks Long and the Mad Dog No Good.

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A Date With John Waters
Feb. 14. 124 Market Place. 8 p.m. $44-110. Perhaps no one embodies the spirit of Charm City more than hometown auteur John Waters. Fresh off of a retrospective at The Baltimore Museum of Art, the beloved director of films such as Pink Flamingos and Hairspray is making Valentine’s Day a little weirder with a monologue about his artistic influences, good taste, and sexual politics. To make date night unforgettable, filth followers can even spring for a meet and greet with the Pope of Trash himself after the show.

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Max’s Belgian Beer Fest
Feb. 15-17. 737 South Broadway. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Free. According to Lyft, Max’s Taphouse was the most visited bar in Baltimore during 2018, and for a good reason. During this annual beer fest, belly up to the bar and sample a selection of rare European pours that will join the pub’s usual 200-plus bottles and taps for the entire weekend. If you have one dubbel or tripel too many, no worries, the Fells Point favorite will be serving up Belgian-inspired snacks to soak up the suds.

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Charm City Django Jazz Fest
Feb. 22-23. 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $25-28. In celebration of this finger-plucking music genre pioneered by Belgian jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, gypsy jazz musicians from near and far will take over Creative Alliance for two days of blazing guitar runs and jazz heat during this fourth annual jam fest. Revel in the chance to hear the likes of Ellicott City-based wunderkind Samuel Farthing, local jazz group Ultrafaux, and Philly-based accordionist Dallas Vietty and his group Passarinho. creativealliance.org.

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Frozen Harbor Music Festival
Feb. 22-23. Inner Harbor, 34 Market Pl. Prices vary. While most music festivals wait until the warm weather months to host big-name acts and sold-out crowds, the Frozen Harbor Music Festival embraces the cold and parties on anyway. This year, spend the weekend show-hopping to Inner Harbor venues (think Baltimore Soundstage, Rams Head Live!, and Leinenkugel’s Beer Garden) to hear 160 regional and national acts jam out across 10 stages.

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American Craft Show
Feb. 22-24. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W Pratt St. $5-$50. Times vary. Whether you’re visiting this revered makers festival for an hour or for the entire weekend, the American Craft Show is guaranteed to have something for everyone. The three-day downtown event, which features work by artisans from near and far, hosts wares such as jewelry, ceramics, and furniture at every price point. Be sure to stop by one-of-a-kind booths like Tristan Sopp’s, where you can buy DIY folded-paper animals, and Marc Tickle’s, which features handmade kaleidoscopes.

Spencer Finch: Moon Dust
Feb. 21-Oct. 2024. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m – 5 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. The Baltimore Museum of Art adds a light installation inspired by lunar dust. Mankind’s eternal fascination with the moon has inspired generations to marvel at the orb’s bright, serene presence in our nighttime sky. Now Brooklyn-based artist Spencer Finch is using the moon’s alluring luster as inspiration for the BMA’s new installation, Moon Dust, on view February 21 through October 13, 2024. For the next six years, Finch will dangle some 150 chandeliers (each one boasting 417 bulbs) from the museum’s ceiling, using a variety of lights to mimic the chemical composition of the moon’s surface as collected during the 1972 lunar landing mission of Apollo 17. But much like the real celestial body, you don’t need to know a lot about chemistry or science to let it light up your imagination.

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Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit

Feb. 6. Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 8 p.m. $29-56. 410-900-1150. In the 11 years since this Alabama native ditched the Drive-By Truckers to go it alone, his widely successful solo career has proved he made the right decision. With two Grammys under his belt, the Americana songwriter returns to Baltimore with his all-star band for a night of pared-down folk songs you won’t forget.

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Frederick Douglass Day 

Feb. 10. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 12-4 p.m. Free-$8. 443-263-1800. Among the many legends born in the Baltimore region, few are more revered than Frederick Douglass. Raised on the Eastern Shore, the freed slave turned iconic abolitionist, author, and orator spent many years in and around Charm City. This year, celebrate his 200th birthday and honor his historic legacy with readings and a children’s storytime at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

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Steve Martin and Martin Short 

Feb. 16. Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 8 p.m. $85-235. 410-900-1150. Steve Martin and Martin Short have earned their reputations as comedic titans through their decades-long careers that included such memorable collaborations as Father of the Bride, Three Amigos, and, of course, Saturday Night Live. These funny men are teaming up again for a rare night of double-billed comedy full of off-kilter humor at The Lyric.

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Max’s Belgian Beer Fest 

Feb. 16-19. Max’s Taphouse, 737 S. Broadway. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Free. 410-675-6297. Take shelter from the cold weather this February at one of Baltimore’s most hallowed haunts, Max’s Taphouse, during its annual Belgian Beer Fest in the heart of Fells Point. With more than 200 bottles and beers on tap, you can sip on your favorite local brews or go bold with European rarities not commonly found in the U.S. The pub will also be offering Belgium-inspired grub such as cheese platters and frites to help soak up the suds.

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Lunar New Year Celebration 

Feb. 18. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 410-547-9000. In these uncertain times, we may all feel like we could use a little more luck. On cue, The Walters is bringing together Chinese and Korean dance troupes to perform a traditional Lunar New Year celebration meant to ward off bad luck and usher in good fortune. The museum’s Year of the Dog festivities also feature live music and fun arts activities for the kids.

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Fueling the Automobile Age 
 
Feb. 23. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free-$12. 410-717-4808. When people think of oil, they usually think of big-time tycoons in Texas, not little old Baltimore City. But the BMI’s newest permanent exhibition explores all the ways our town contributed to the booming age of automobiles, thanks in large part to former oil heavyweights like Amoco and Crown. Visitors can learn about America’s love of cars by piling into a real 1962 Chrysler Newport station wagon, pumping fuel at a mock gas station, and viewing advertisements from the car heydays of the mid-20th century.

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American Craft Show 

Feb. 23-25. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $14-34. 612-206-3100. Whether you’re looking for a bold piece of furniture to complete your living room or a fabulous piece of statement jewelry, the American Craft Council’s annual show has you covered. With more than 650 artists hailing from Baltimore and beyond, there are thousands of one-of-a-kind finds, ranging from handmade clothing to fine art and even whiskey.

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Django Jazz Fest 

Feb. 23-25. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. $23-72. 410-276-1651. When Belgian jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt lost movement in two of his fingers after a fire, he taught himself to play with the other three, and in the process birthed an entire genre that is now called Gypsy Jazz, an energetic, swinging style that swept the early 20th century. Revel in the form during this weekend celebration featuring music by the likes of Baltimore’s beloved jazz group Ultrafaux and international guitar star Samson Schmitt.